MR EWEN McDONALD NEW AUSSIE HIGH COMMISSIONER TO PNG

Mr Ewen McDonald has been recently appointed as Australia’s next High Commissioner to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

Mr Ewen will be marking a fresh chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

The announcement was made by Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Penny Wong, who praised McDonald as a highly experienced diplomat with an impressive career in international relations

Senator Wong emphasised that as neighbours, friends and equals, the bonds between Australia and Papua New Guinea are deeply important. It is a relationship based upon common history, close geography and shared values.

“Together our two countries are instrumental in shaping a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific.

Mr McDonald will commence his role as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence later this year.”

Senator Wong adds that Mr McDonald is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Australia’s High Commissioner to Fiji.

He has also previously served overseas as Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, with accreditation to the Cook Islands and Niue.

Mr McDonald will continue his role as Australia’s inaugural Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs.

Senator Wong thanked outgoing High Commissioner John Feakes for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Papua New Guinea since 2023.